Fr. Pavone: Pope’s action an “expression of love”

Priests for Life

February 11, 2013

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, released the following statement today regarding the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI:

“We are, of course, all surprised today by the announcement of the Pope that he will resign at the end of the month. Popes have the authority to do this, of course, though it has rarely been exercised.

“We view the Pope’s action here in a positive light, as an expression of his concern and love for the Church. He wants the Church to have a Pope who can fulfill his role with the strength and vigor that the office requires.

“My own interactions with Pope Benedict have been in the arena of his defense of human life, and we at Priests for Life thank him in particular for the ways in which he has continued to announce and implement the Church’s pro-life teachings. Those who wish to send the Holy Father a message of appreciation and promise of prayers can do so on a special form we will post at www.priestsforlife.org.”